LetÆs Explore Applied Physical Science (LEAPS)

University Of California-Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara CA

Investigators

Abstract

Faculty members from the physics, chemistry and engineering departments at the University of California at Santa Barbara are collaborating with teachers in the Santa Barbara School District to improve articulation of hands-on, minds-on learning in physical sciences in the middle grades. This program builds on existing teacher and school outreach efforts of these departments. Fellows are selected from outstanding research-experienced graduate and undergraduate students in the participating departments. Teachers are selected from those who already have interacted with the university through participation in such outreach programs as Research Experience for Teachers. Activities to be designed and implemented by the teacher/fellow teams are based on the California State Standards. A grade appropriate model for small group investigation of physical science concepts is being developed, pilot tested and disseminated. This project is receiving partial support from the Directorate for Mathematics and Physical Sciences.